Devon Sandoval

The 29th overall pick in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft, Sandoval played a large role for Real Salt Lake in his rookie year, scoring three goals in 17 league appearances, 10 of which were starts. The University of New Mexico product – who trained with Real Salt Lake in the summer between his junior and senior seasons in Albuquerque – was a major player for RSL in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and in the MLS Reserve League, frequently finding the back of the net in both competitions from his target striker position.

Sandoval played a big role in RSL’s playoff run after forward Alvaro Saborio was sidelined with an injury in the Claret-and-Cobalt’s first postseason game, featuring in three playoff games – two of which were starts – and scoring the game-winning goal in RSL’s 4-2 win over Portland Timbers in the first leg of the Western Conference Championship series.

With an extremely successful rookie year behind him, expect Sandoval to earn more playing time and starts in 2014 under new Head Coach Jeff Cassar.

Acquired

RSL: Selected by Real Salt Lake in the second round (29th overall) of the 2013 MLS SuperDraft on Jan. 17, 2013 … Signed by Real Salt Lake on Feb.19, 2013

Professional Career

2014: Sandoval finished the 2014 season with one assist in 633 minutes, starting in seven of his 15 appearances in his second MLS season. After posting three goals in his first season in 2013, Sandoval saw plenty of time with RSL’s reserves and also scored twice in his two matches on loan to the Carolina Railhawks in the NASL.

2013: Sandoval made 17 regular season appearances, 10 of which were starts … Recorded a total of three goals and zero assists in the regular season ... Made his professional debut in the season opener, coming on in the 87th minute of RSL’s 2-0 win at San Jose on March 3 … Made his first career start on March 30, playing the full 90 in RSL’s 2-0 home win over Seattle … Scored his first career goal in RSL’s 2-1 win over New England Revolution on May 8 … Scored in a 4-0 rout of Columbus Crew on Aug. 24 … Scored the game-winning goal in a 1-0 win over Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Sept. 28 … Was Real Salt Lake’s highest scorer in its Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup run with three goals ... Scored two goals in RSL’s 5-2 USOC win over Charleston Battery on June 12 … Scored the tying goal in RSL’s 3-2 USOC win over Atlanta Silverbacks on May 28 … Played in three of RSL’s postseason games, two of which were starts. Recorded one goal which ended up being the game-winner in RSL’s 4-2 win over Portland Timbers in the first leg of the Western Conference Championship series

College

2009-12: Played three years at the University of New Mexico, transferring to the Albuquerque school after spending his freshman year at San Diego State University ... Starred for the Lobos, finishing his career with 28 goals and 17 assists ... Had 15 goals and 7 assists in his senior season iin 2012, finishing the year with a Second Team All-American honor and in the top-10 in goals scored nationwide ... Was a MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist in 2012 ... Was NSCAA First Team Far West All-Region and First Team All-Mountain Pacific Sports Federation in both 2011 and 2012

High School/Club

Was a three time All-State selectionat Eldorado High School, where he was the 2008 and 2009 Male Athlete of the Year ... Helped Eldorado win two state championships in his time there ... Played club soccer for Classic FC Redstar ... Won five State Championships with Redstar

Personal

His trademark long, curly hair has earned him several nicknames at RSL, including “Zorro” and “Inigo Montoya” … Trained with Real Salt Lake for a week in between his junior and senior seasons of college in the summer of 2012